Monday, May 4, 2009

The Apostle Paul would rejoice at Mars Hill in Australia

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Phi 1:17-18 NIV)

I don't think Driscoll has the wrong motives of course. I mean he might. But do you get my point? Paul is in prison, and people are preaching the gospel to cause him further anguish, yet his biggest concern and joy is that the gospel is being preached!

So lets critique and think all this Driscoll stuff through. It's dangerous if we don't. But I think before we criticise Driscoll about his methods or the effectiveness of Mars Hill in Australia, first and foremost we ought to be very glad and celebrate because the gospel is advancing through the preaching of Christ. I think we (and I'm guilty of this) have a tendency to go straight to what we think is wrong with everything, which sometimes causes us to miss the point.

@ Nick: lol, I hope so, or that post was a waste of time. I'm sorry if you were unaware of the driscoll church planting. Google Mars Hill Global and you should find something. Or, visit basically anyone elses blog who lives in Sydney

@ Sam: I was unaware Ian Powell made similar comments. He must be a good guy :-). I preached on it recently and it's always been a helpful reminder for me to keep the main thing the main thing.

Although, on one level? that's a sad verse to use- even as a possible reference point for our friends at Mars Hill. Paul is not a fan of those who preach Christ out of selfish ambition. And more, he names the actual problems with the motives.

Yep, preaching with the wrong motives is defiantely wrong, yet Paul still rejoices because the gospel is preached.

Preaching through a screen might be wrong, unwise, or whatever. But the gospel is still being preached isn't it? People still might hear about Jesus and be saved who otherwise wouldn't. That is cause for rejoicing methinks. First and foremost, surely, let's rejoice at the good news of Jesus being preached.

So in that regard I still feel comfortable with using Paul's words to ensure we rejoice that the gospel is being preached.

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